Johor Bahru, Malaysia – The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team secured a coveted spot in the Sultan of Johor Cup final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Malaysia on Friday. In a gripping final pool-stage encounter, India showcased resilience and tactical prowess to overcome a persistent Malaysian side.
The match began with both teams displaying cautious approaches, each probing for weaknesses in the opponent's defense. India pressed high, aiming to disrupt Malaysia's rhythm, while the hosts relied on counterattacks. The first quarter concluded without a score, setting the stage for an intense battle in the subsequent periods.
India's sustained pressure in the second quarter yielded results when Gurjot Singh capitalized on a rebound from a penalty corner in the 22nd minute, putting India ahead 1-0. The goal injected confidence into the Indian side, allowing them to control the tempo of the game with sharp ball distribution and strategic positioning. Despite India's dominance, Malaysia remained resilient, preventing India from further extending their lead before halftime.
Malaysia emerged from the break with renewed vigor, leading to Naaveenesh Panicker's equalizer in the 43rd minute. The goal injected a surge of energy into the home crowd. However, India responded swiftly. Sourabh Anand Kushwaha found the net in the 48th minute, restoring India's lead.
The closing stages of the match saw Malaysia desperately seeking another equalizer. They mounted a series of attacks, earning penalty corners and creating opportunities. However, the Indian defense stood firm, displaying composure and discipline to thwart Malaysia's efforts.
This victory marks India's eighth appearance in the Sultan of Johor Cup final, underscoring their consistent performance in the tournament. India will face Australia in a repeat of the 2022 title clash on October 18 at 6:05 PM IST. In the 2022 campaign, India defeated Australia to lift the trophy.
Throughout the 2025 edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup, India has demonstrated a blend of tactical maturity and attacking flair. Players like Gurjot Singh and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha have risen to the occasion at crucial moments, complemented by the team's solid defensive structure. India will aim to replicate their 2022 success.
The match was initially delayed due to rain, and both teams found the wet conditions challenging early on. India initially attempted long aerial balls to catch Malaysia off guard, but this strategy proved ineffective. As the pitch conditions improved, India adopted a more aggressive approach in the second quarter, resulting in a series of penalty corners.